Tea Parties Are Not Just For Little Girls

Most girls can remember days of long ago when tea parties would be shared with best friends. I remember serving juice in a ceramic tea pot to my best friend, Larry, and dozens of his Steiff stuffed animal pets. Saltines were also served. We couldn't have been more than five or six at the time.

It wasn't long after that when Larry and I parted ways as best friends. Although he still lived across the street from me, Larry found fishing and became friends with my brother. I found girlfriends in the neighborhood. But I'll always remember those wonderful tea parties and the memories that came with them.

Years later, I still enjoy a good tea party every now and then. These days I must admit, they are a little more sophisticated with scones and tea sandwiches, clotted cream and lemon curd, sweets and a good cup of tea, of course.

I've had high tea served by waiters in tuxedos and white gloves at Brown's Hotel in London, nibbled on tea sandwiches with high society at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and casually entertained neighbors at NEV-R-DUN farm on summer afternoons. Earlier this Spring, my friend, Joan, invited me and some other women to join her for tea at her house.

While working long hours and taking care of her family, Joan spent a whole week preparing the menu, setting her table, and finding specialty teas to serve. Along with her culinary delights and good conversation, fine china, linen napkins, and a lace tablecloth helped set the stage for a lovely diversion from the usual Sunday afternoon spent preparing for the week ahead.

The girls caught up on life that day, all while drinking our favorite cup of tea. To make the event even more fun, our host told us to bring a tea cup to swap.

When I left Joan's, I came home with a beautiful Lennox cup and saucer. I also returned home filled on friendship, food, and new fond memories of having tea at Joan's.